menuBarBack
Beam Up News | Join | Your Account
Home
Advanced Search
boxBottom
STAR TREK BBS

Complete Shatner Scenes from Star Trek script

SMALLVILLE Justice Society Trailer

Twilight: New Moon dethrones The Dark Knight - New opening day record set

Paranormal Activity & Co. - What's the appeal?

Stargate: Universe "Life"

boxBottom
News Tribblets

Nov 17 | Originally hired as co-executive producer to help with the second half of the show's first season, Kevin Murphy has now taken the reins of Caprica, the Battlestar Galactica prequel on Syfy, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He now serves as an executive producer along with Ronald D. Moore, David Eick and Jane Espenson and oversees the day-to-day functions of the show.

0 comments

Nov 12 | Star Trek star Zachary Quinto is loosely attached to star in the romantic dramedy Whirligig, reports Risky Business.Quinto would play the lead role in the independent Canadian film, which is aiming to shoot early next year. The movie centers on a man who, in a misguided attempt to woo an older woman, befriends the woman's adopted son.Chaz Thorne is directing the pic, based on a screenplay by Michael Amo, creator of the Canadian supernatural series "The Listener."

0 comments

Nov 11 | The CNS Foundation, is hosting an on-line charity auction at www.charitybuzz.com.   One of the items they are auctioning is a signed movie poster of the new Star Trek movie which has all the cast members and writers.  The president of our organization is Carol Abrams, JJ's mother,  and she arranged for the donation from Bad Robot Production Company.  J.J. Abrams is also a major donor to their organization. The funds raised will go to help find a cure to neurological disorders in children.  The auction link is here.

0 comments

Nov 10 | Candice Bergen, Charles Lisanby, Don Pardo, Gene Roddenberry, Tom and Dick Smothers and Bob Stewart have been selected as the next inductees into the Television Academy's Hall of Fame. They will be honored at a Jan. 20 ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel. "This year's inductees have challenged and shaped popular culture, changed television for the better and entertained us royally while doing so," TV Academy Chairman-CEO John Shaffner said. More info at the Hollywood Reporter

0 comments

Nov 08 | Unreality-SF.net has interviewed Star Trerk author James Swallow about some of his upcoming projects. He talks about Titan: Synthesis and Seven Deadly Sins: The Slow Knife, as well as some forthcoming Doctor Who and Stargate stories.

0 comments

boxBottom
Stardates Calendar

:

Feature Story

Features

Interview: Jeffrey Combs Back in Blue This Season as Andorian Commander 'Shran'

Features

By Steve Krutzler / 13:00, 27 October 2004 / TrekWeb Features

Beam This Story to a Friend
Complete the form below to e-mail a link to this story to a friend.

Your Name:
Your E-Mail:
Your Friend's Name:
Your Friend's E-Mail:
Subject:
Message (optional):

This season actor Jeffrey Combs will return for his sixth, seventh, and eighth stints as the Andorian 'Shran', and possibly more. TrekWeb continues our conversations with Combs (interview archive) in this new, exclusive interview from contributor Jacqueline Bundy.

"A Conversation with Jeffrey Combs"
by Jacqueline Bundy

Every time Jeffrey Combs creates yet another memorable character in an appearance on STAR TREK you can't help but wonder if you will see that character again. After all, Combs brought to life two of the franchise's most popular recurring characters: the nasty FCA liquidator 'Brunt', and the fawning Vorta clone 'Weyoun' were two of DEEP SPACE NINE's most unforgettable characters and Combs work consistently draws raves from the critics as well as the fans.

So when Jeffrey Combs first appeared on ENTERPRISE as Shran, an officer of the Andorian Imperial Guard in the first season episode "The Andorian Incident," it wasn't much of a surprise that those watching soon found themselves hoping that this blue guy would be back. The upcoming episode "Kir'Shara" will mark Combs's sixth appearance as Shran and fans can look forward to seeing Shran at least twice more this season.

It's been a busy year for Mr. Combs, who in addition to guest appearances on ENTERPRISE and CSI in the episode "Jackpot," has been voicing the character of 'The Question' in the animated series JUSTICE LEAGUE and shooting new film roles. Jeffrey was kind enough to talk with TrekWeb about his work in general and his latest take on playing the role of Shran on ENTERPRISE.

TW: I understand you grew up watching the original series.

JC: Absolutely, are you kidding? I was a major fan of the show when I was a kid. Unfortunately my dad wasn't so I had to connive, we only had one TV, and he thought it was sheer nonsense, he'd rather watch something else. I didn't get to see it every week but on the happy evening when he was doing something else I would get to watch it or I'd catch the reruns. I've seen all of them many times.

I just loved the energy and humor and the conflicts in that show. A lot of people seem to forget that it was originally a not so veiled metaphor for the cold war. The Klingons were the Soviets and the Romulans were the Chinese and the Vulcans, well I'm not sure who the Vulcans were supposed to be with their cold logic. (laughs)

TW: You once said in an interview that of all the modern STAR TREK's you thought ENTERPRISE most resembled TOS in terms of style.

JC: In terms of it's back to the basics yes. In that it's to go where no man has gone before and it's a little more willing to show humans not only at their best, but with their flaws as well, making mistakes and so forth. They're learning as they go, so in that sense it is very much in the style of the original. I just hope that with Shran I can bring some of that TOS energy and attack.

TW: So this is what, the sixth time for you playing Shran?

JC: Yes, I did Shran twice in the first season, once in the second and twice in the third season so this is number six. And actually I've just found out that I'm going to be doing two more, starting in the beginning of November, two back-to-back episodes. I guess it will be a mini arch having to do with the Andorians, beyond that I don't really have any specifics as far as what the storyline is going to be ["Babel One" will be at least one of those future appearances, --ed.].

TW: You probably haven't even seen the scripts yet?

JC: No and I usually don't until about three days before I step in front of the camera actually. It's disconcerting sometimes but I've done it enough now to be comfortable with it.

TW: At this point you've played six roles on three STAR TREK series; DEEP SPACE NINE, VOYAGER and now ENTERPRISE. Your list of STAR TREK credits just keeps growing longer.

JC: I'm proud of that. I love STAR TREK. Going back and doing it is like going home at this point. I have had at this point three recurring roles. I think there are other actors like Vaughn Armstrong ('Admiral Forrest') and maybe Marc Alaimo ('Dukat') and others that I'm forgetting who have done more characters but I don't know if anyone has done more recurring roles.

TW: No one could forget the three roles you played on DEEP SPACE NINE (Weyoun, Tiron, Brunt) but many people forget that in addition to those characters you were also in an episode of VOYAGER, "Tsunkatse", where you played a fight promoter, a Don King-like character.

JC: The episode with the Rock! It was so incredible when the Rock came up to me and said "can I take a picture with you?" I'm like 'come on, of course' -"" the Rock.

TW: Did you feel small next to him?

JC: I was dwarfed next to him. I'm only 5'8". After all I've played a Ferengi so I can't be too tall.

TW: You've been pretty busy with other work lately in addition to Enterprise-Didn't you recently work on the movie ALL SOUL'S DAY?

JC: Yeah, I just finished that. I do just small role in it. It's a little independent film about Mexico and a small village that comes to life every All Soul's Day, the day after Halloween. The day of the dead in Mexico and I played a 50's Dad. My wife and I and our two kids we're on a vacation in Mexico and we stop at the wrong time in the wrong town. We check in but we never check out as the old song goes.

Right after my next two episodes on ENTERPRISE I jump right into another independent film called THE MASTER OF GORE and know I am not the master. This role is a real departure for me; it's something I've never done before so I'm looking forward to that.


Continued...
 of 4.    Next >


More Top StoriesComments
Nov 22Exclusive Digital Content Now Available With New Star Trek Movie on iTunes
0
Nov 22Star Trek Online MMORPG Producer Talks Space Combat and Away Missions0
Nov 21Faran Tahir on His 10 Minutes as Captain Robau in J.J. Abrams Star Trek Movie2
Nov 21J.J. Abrams, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman on Shatner and Nimoy7
Nov 21Roberto Orci on the Status of the Star Trek XII Script and the Possibility of Producing a New Star Trek TV Series16
Story Archives...Browse:   

Talkback

7 comments Post New | Help
View:

Poll | Report this post to moderator
By: Cap'n Calhoun (Odo's file, contact) @ 02:11:04 on Oct 28, 2004

Inspired by the interview and the comments, I've added to a poll to the BBS. Go there to decide just how much Jeffrey Combs is your bare minimum and how much will make you sick of him completely. ;-)

http://trekweb.com/stbbs/showThread.php?tid=41808b58d9183

Incidentally, I love Combs' work on Star Trek, and, although I'm sure there is a saturation point, for the moment I hold that (in the words of U2) too much is not enough. ;-)

--------

"You know what six movies average out to be really good? The first six Star Trek movies!" -- Fry, Futurama


Reply
Reply 		Quote
Quote

Do we love this guy ...? | Report this post to moderator
By: jstewart_2k3 (Odo's file, contact, web site) @ 16:06:25 on Oct 27, 2004

Or do we love this guy? I hope they don't overuse the Shran character and thereby lose any of the, well, greatness that he has. It's always nice seeing Shran, as it was with Weyoun and Brunt, but I really hope they don't make him a permanent character and just reduce him to more background filler. I really hope they go to the Andorian homeworld, though.

Kudos, Jeffrey Combs, hope we see you a lot more on Enterprise.

--------

"I was told this ship was the pride of Starfleet. I find it is small, and unimpressive."

"Funny, I was about to say the same thing about you."

Archer and Gral spar verbally in: "Babel One."


Reply
Reply 		Quote
Quote

  • RE: Do we love this guy ...? | Report this post to moderator
    By: Jadzia-Dax (Odo's file, contact) @ 17:14:46 on Oct 27, 2004

    Even in "filler" episodes, Combs makes them shine. He has quite the dynamic presence as an actor, but in the "modern TV" sense. Ie., many of the dynamic guest stars that have appeared in Trek have been very much theater actors (eg. John DeLancie) and have performed that version of a "larger than life" character. With Combs, his performances are just as strong, but seem to be more attuned to the various cameras (with their implied audiences) rather than a live, centrally fixed audience. Thus he comes across more "animated", but without the "theatrics" that often go along with that. If this makes any sense. ;-)

    --------

    "I think the show talked to people through the characters. They're stories that speak to the heart. They talk about love, they talk about friendship, they talk about loyalty, they talk about patriotism, exploration, curiosity, reaching out... And I think all those things still touch people. Even when you look at a 30-year old show, it still has something to say." - D.C. Fontana, Sci Fi Channel Special Edition TOS 1998
    ----
    "If the season finale involves the re-built USS Reliant coming back in time to the 21st Century crewed by Moogie, Dr. Selar, Morn, Transporter Chief Kyle, and the Salt Vampire, then we'll know that Coto has gone too far." - tomba1701


    Reply
    Reply         		Quote
    Quote

    • RE: Do we love this guy ...? | Report this post to moderator
      By: jstewart_2k3 (Odo's file, contact, web site) @ 03:55:02 on Oct 28, 2004

      I think I know what you mean ... All his characters have been great, even the science fiction ones, but he gives them a sense of reality that you could believe they really exist. Weyoun is still my favourite character of his.

      --------

      "I was told this ship was the pride of Starfleet. I find it is small, and unimpressive."

      "Funny, I was about to say the same thing about you."

      Archer and Gral spar verbally in: "Babel One."


      Reply
      Reply             		Quote
      Quote

Great interview! | Report this post to moderator
By: Jadzia-Dax (Odo's file, contact) @ 14:33:26 on Oct 27, 2004

It's always a pleasure to read interviews with Jeff Combs and IMHO, this one was even better than the last. His enthusiasm and professionalism comes across in his acting, which I think is why he is so popular.

Look forward to his upcoming appearances! Image

--------

"I think the show talked to people through the characters. They're stories that speak to the heart. They talk about love, they talk about friendship, they talk about loyalty, they talk about patriotism, exploration, curiosity, reaching out... And I think all those things still touch people. Even when you look at a 30-year old show, it still has something to say." - D.C. Fontana, Sci Fi Channel Special Edition TOS 1998
----
"If the season finale involves the re-built USS Reliant coming back in time to the 21st Century crewed by Moogie, Dr. Selar, Morn, Transporter Chief Kyle, and the Salt Vampire, then we'll know that Coto has gone too far." - tomba1701


Reply
Reply 		Quote
Quote

  • RE: Great interview! | Report this post to moderator
    By: Burkins (Odo's file, contact) @ 15:18:36 on Oct 27, 2004

    Quote:
    Please let everybody know that I have a strong belief in and high hopes for ENTERPRISE. I think it's an evolving and improving series and I only hope that it will continue to get greater respect and appreciation as time goes on. Some of them out there have to get out of this silly bashing mode that they seem to be in. I think it's completely unwarranted and everybody needs to give this series a second look and an honest chance. ENTERPRISE is a terrific addition to the STAR TREK universe and it's getting better all the time. The writing this year is filled with terrific conflict and has a ring to it that's reminiscent of the original series and I have high hopes and expectations for this season. It's in good hands.

    I found this last bit particularly pertinent. Sure hope people will take heed of Shran's suggestions!

    --------

    "Make just a ripple. Come on be brave. This time a ripple - next time a wave."

    "I lost something out there... and I don't know how to get it back" Archer in "Home"


    Reply
    Reply         		Quote
    Quote

Promenade










TrekWeb Merchants
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.ca
Amazon.de
Barnes & Noble

Get Firefox!

Privacy Policy | About Us | Legal Notice | Contact Us | | Get Firefox!
© 1996-2009 TrekWeb.com and Steve Krutzler. All rights reserved.